Vamps27

So I am almost done planning what to use on my trip as far as cards. For my Atm I have a Wamu mastercard which told me they only charge 1% to withdraw money or charge on the card. For credit cards I have:

Capital One (talked to them and they told me they don't charge anything extra for international transactions)

Hsbc Orchard Bank card

American Express Blue card (which charges 2% for the foreign transactions)

I think from reading other forums that my Capital one card is the best card to use, but want to know if that is so.

Statia

That's the one I typically take to Europe for the same reason.

Vamps27

Statia,

Are you referring to Capital One?

FainaAgain

There is a long thread somewhere on this forum about WaMu cards not working in all countries or in all ATM machines. Do a search.

Statia

Yes, I was referring to Capitol One. Out of all my cards that one has the best deal on foreign purchases.

Christina

sure, why not, I use my Capital One for most of my foreign charges when traveling.

gardendiva

Now that you have selected your cards, you may want to call Capital One prior to your departure and have them note on your account the countries that you will be visiting and when. Last month we traveled to Canada from Michigan and my sisters VISA was declined at all locations for one of the days we were traveling. The other three days we didn't have a problem. VISA told her that they do that on occation and the cards they pick are random. Sounded weird to me but I would hate to get to Europe without a working credit card. Hers was declined when we needed gas. Luckily we were able to pool enough cash between us.

Vamps27

yes capital one told me to call them back a week prior to my trip that way they can put on the travel alert.

FainaAgain Wamu seems not to work in countries that I'm not going to such as Greece and Italy. I'm only going to london and people on here said that Wamu was good there.

jicobrje

I think AAA had a recommendation for a VISA check card to be used at atm's. Has anyone ever used that?
CK

janisj

jicobrje: The AAA (or similar Amex) card is not a very good idea for most people. They are pretty expensive because there are fees every time you turn around. A fee to open/load money on it, a fee to withdraw money, a hiked up exchange rate, and even a fee to close it and withdraw ther rest of the money.

It really only makes sense for teenagers who for some reason can't have an ATM card.

Statia

In response to jicobjrbe, I've used my credit untion Visa Check Card solely at ATM's in Europe and have never had a problem.

janisj

Statia: I think jicobrje was asking about the "check card" offered by AAA. It is one of those pre-loaded travel card products.

jicobrje: If I'm wrong and you are actually asking about a regular "check card" ATM-type card connected to your checking, then ignore what I posted. But if you are asking about an AAA visa travel card - then what I posted still stands.

Christina

I think they must have been referring to the preloaded AAA travel card, whatever they are calling it. AAA has a Visa (which I have), but they don't own a bank that would have an ATM card connected to your checking account. Generally, disregard any recommendation from AAA for a product they are selling (or anyone, probably, get an independent opinion).